Shandy is the dog who launched 3,000 young readers. In 2003 she inspired me to start SitStayRead in Chicago to help at-risk children learn to read. Shandy was the first SSR dog and she loved to work with kids.

After adopting her from the Anti-Cruelty Society in 1993, Shandy went to work with me every day for nearly 17 years. Her spirit is my guiding star and this blog is named in her honor. Though it no longer focuses on SSR, I hope you enjoy the posts.

MaryEllen Schneider

Friday, October 26, 2007

Shandy at School

Shandy and I were a sub dog team this week and had a wonderful time.

When Shandy sees her Sit Stay Read bandanna she knows it's time for school and she can't wait to get there.

She's always loved kids (that's why we got started in therapy dog work) but combine that with getting treats and she's in heaven. Here she's listening to a second-grader read Pizza For Sam. Shandy can totally relate because she loves cheese.

The second photo shows our great new classroom posters designed just for us by Jeff Carlson (who is happily owned by a French bulldog named Sammy Davis Jr. Jr.) Be sure to check-out more of Jeff's work on his website mandrawspicture.com